Research on brain injury and recovery. Covers sports concussion policy, age and recovery, CTE in athletes, and deep brain stimulation.
In a breakthrough study, NIH scientists identified distinct immune cell subsets that work together to repair the damaged meninges and blood vessels in mice. The research provides new insights into the recovery process after concussion and may lead to the development of targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.
A nationwide study of 2.8 million people over 36 years found that sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with an increased risk of developing both dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The risk of dementia increased with the number and severity of injuries, even a single mild TBI.
A Norwegian study reveals that even mild concussions can lead to long-term headache woes, affecting twice as many people as the general population. The research highlights the need for closer follow-up of patients with head injuries who experience persistent headaches.
A large study found a significant link between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and dementia, with the risk increasing by 24% in individuals with TBI history. The study also found that the severity and number of TBIs were associated with increased dementia risk.
A new scoring system, GCS-Pupil, improves the assessment of brain injuries by adding a simple score for pupil response. This allows doctors to quickly predict patient conditions and make informed decisions about care.
The new Glasgow Coma Scale-Pupils score (GCS-P) tool combines GCS scores and pupil reactivity to provide a more comprehensive assessment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity and prognosis. The GCS-P has been validated to be as predictive as other, more complex models, while being easy to apply and communicate.
A recent Ohio University study found that 67 percent of theater workers have experienced concussion-related symptoms and head impacts; 77 percent had more than three head impacts. Many respondents continued working despite experiencing symptoms, citing concerns about not wanting to be seen as 'not tough enough',
Researchers found that concussions occur when a deep area of the brain shakes rapidly and intensely, straining surrounding tissues. The study's findings suggest a complex relationship between head impacts and brain motion, highlighting the need for further research to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of concussions.
A study by Mehmet Kurt from Stevens Institute of Technology found that concussions occur when deep white matter regions of the brain, particularly the corpus callosum, shake more rapidly and intensely than surrounding areas. This understanding could lead to better helmet designs and real-time diagnostic tools for athletes.
A Carnegie Mellon University team has received a three-year grant to refine a custom EEG system that can identify early markers for worsening brain injuries. The team will use the high-density EEG to detect cortical spreading depolarizations, or brain tsunamis, which are biomarkers for worsening brain injuries.
Theresa Currier Thomas has received a $1.65 million grant to study traumatic brain injury and develop more effective treatments. The research aims to understand how communication in the brain changes after an injury, with implications for cognition, sensory processing, and mental health.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham are developing a new neonatal transport system to reduce vibration and stress on premature babies. The system aims to improve neurological outcomes and long-term quality of life for these vulnerable infants.
Research highlights music therapy's effectiveness in treating traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder among military personnel. Studies show that music can rebuild damaged neural connections, promote motivation, and improve patient outcomes.
Severe TBI in children increases risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) up to 7 years after injury. A study of 187 children with TBI compared to orthopedic injury found 25.7% developed secondary ADHD, highlighting the need for post-injury monitoring.
A new study found that severe combat wounds and chronic PTSD can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. The research reviewed records of over 3,800 US service members who received intensive care for combat injuries sustained during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Researchers at UCalgary have developed a portable brain imaging system that uses light to detect and monitor damage in the brain from concussion. The device measures communication in the brain by measuring oxygen levels, revealing patterns of blood flow and oxygen levels that change after concussion.
A recent review article emphasizes the urgent need for more clinical research, data, and prognostic models on traumatic brain injury in older adults. The lack of geriatric-specific TBI guidelines presents barriers to optimal care, and the authors discuss issues related to neurocritical care, neurosurgical management, and rehabilitation.
A new research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that patients under 65 who are taken to a trauma center have a higher chance of being favorably discharged, while those over 65 have a lower risk of mortality. The study also highlights a serious care disparity for these severely injured patients.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found a correlation between traumatic brain injury and early-onset Alzheimer's disease. People who sustained concussions were diagnosed with dementia on average 2 1/2 years earlier than those without TBI.
Researchers recommend routine screening for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in offenders to improve medical support and reduce crime. Young people with TBI are at greater risk of early, violent offending due to compromised neurological functions and increased risk of behavioral disorders.
The Kessler Foundation will conduct a pilot study assessing the clinical, functional and neurophysiological effectiveness of robotic exoskeleton-assisted gait therapy for children and young adults with traumatic brain injuries. The study aims to understand the neural mechanism involved in recovery through training.
A new Annals of Neurology study investigated the mechanisms and timing of events in the brain and circulation during the dying process. The findings suggest that spreading depolarization marks the loss of stored energy in brain cells, leading to death, but also highlight its reversibility with restored circulation.
A study by Georgetown University Medical Center found that babies who suffered a perinatal stroke regained language function in the opposite side of their brain. The research, led by Elissa L. Newport, PhD, discovered that teenagers and young adults used the right sides of their brains for language after a left-brain injury.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that xenon gas can limit blast-induced brain injury by preventing damage from developing. The study suggests that xenon could be a viable treatment option after blasts occur, potentially reducing debilitating symptoms.
Penn researchers have identified a neurological syndrome in US government personnel serving in Havana, Cuba, who reported hearing unusual noises and experiencing memory and thinking dysfunction, vision and balance problems. Rehabilitation interventions appear to improve symptoms.
A study published in PNAS suggests that video games can complement physical therapies to overcome attention deficit disorders, which contribute to motor skills disorders in stroke patients. The researchers analyzed brain injuries in 167 patients and found a connection between attention control areas and mobility problems.
A nationwide Swedish study found that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) significantly increase the risk of dementia diagnosis for over 30 years following the injury. The risk decreases over time but remains significant, with severe TBI or multiple TBIs increasing the risk even more.
A new study published in eNeuro found that a drug currently being evaluated for depression and suicidal tendencies also alleviates anxiety, fearful behaviors, and memory deficits in rats exposed to blast injuries. The drug, BCI-838, promotes the generation of new brain cells in the hippocampus.
The American Stroke Association honored 10 scientists and researchers for their significant contributions to stroke research, including Joanna Wardlaw, Walter Koroshetz, Jun Chen, and others. The award recognizes their work in investigating and managing clinical stroke science, basic stroke research, and more.
Research scientist Ekaterina Dobryakova is studying the effects of performance feedback on cognitive fatigue levels in individuals with TBI. The goal is to develop a behavioral intervention that can reduce cognitive fatigue and improve quality of life for affected individuals.
A Boston University study identified evidence of early Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) brain pathology after head impact, even in the absence of signs of concussion. The researchers found that head impact caused persistent changes in brain electrical functions and damaged blood vessels, leading to CTE.
Dr. Chiaravalloti will test the modified Story Memory Technique's impact on new learning and memory abilities in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The study aims to improve daily functioning and quality of life for this population.
A recent study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research reveals that signaling molecules play a crucial role in mild concussions. The research provides insights into the mechanisms underlying brain injury and recovery, potentially leading to the development of new treatments for traumatic brain injuries.
A preliminary study suggests that CranioSacral Therapy can improve range of motion, pain, sleep, and cognitive function in ex-NFL players with concussion and mild TBI. More clinical research data is needed to understand its effectiveness in treating post-concussive syndrome and potentially chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Researchers have found that brain implants can function with the help of glial cells, which are often overlooked as a potential target for treatment. The study suggests that glial cells play a critical role in maintaining optimal brain activity and suggest targeting them may improve current treatments for neurological diseases.
Researchers discovered that zebrafish exhibit significant spatial memory impairment after a blow to the head, with slower reaction times to familiar environments. Genetic analysis identified key genes involved in brain cell proliferation and migration, offering new insights into potential human recovery strategies.
A recent study reviewed 18 studies involving 7,587 patients, examining head injuries in MMA fighting published between 1990 and 2016. The review found no consistent definition or protocol for reporting and medical clearance return to play, making it impossible to determine the frequency and severity of these injuries.
A recent study in NeuroRehabilitation highlights the need for better addressing neurosexuality in patients with neurodisabilities, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The research provides guidance for healthcare providers and caregivers to improve sexual function and quality of life.
Researchers found that mild traumatic brain injury can lead to lifelong degenerative changes, including learning and working memory impairment. Studies on mice revealed ongoing neuroinflammation and neuron projection degeneration after a single or repetitive TBI, with some animals showing motor deficits.
Researchers at the University of Geneva discovered the brain regions used to categorize emotions communicated vocally, highlighting the crucial role of the frontal lobe. The study found that the inferior frontal cortex is activated when categorizing and discriminating emotions from voices.
A Mayo Clinic study found that high school athletes are more likely to correctly identify a concussion as a brain injury than their parents and coaches. Athletes were also better at identifying typical symptoms of concussion but struggled with understanding how the injury occurs and criteria for returning to play.
Researchers at Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute are studying depression in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) to understand the relationship between activity levels and mental health. The study aims to fine-tune depression treatment for TBI patients by exploring behavioral activation therapy.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that female athletes experience a higher concussion injury rate than male athletes. Athletes with a prior concussion injury were three times more likely to suffer another contact sport-related concussion.
Researchers at MUSC develop an ex vivo model of ICP-induced cellular injury to understand early cell-injury mechanisms and identify biomarkers associated with pathological pressure. The novel model successfully initiates cellular stress in a cell-specific manner, offering potential for therapies to minimize neurological deficits.
New study reveals that five babies per 1,000 born in England may have sustained brain injury at or soon after birth, leading to serious conditions like cerebral palsy and blindness. The research, using routine NHS data, aims to better understand how to prevent brain injuries in preterm and full-term babies.
A new Penn Medicine study found that female axons are smaller and have fewer microtubules, making them more susceptible to concussion. Women athletes are more likely to experience concussions and worse outcomes than men, possibly due to these anatomical differences.
The Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System will improve quality of life for people with traumatic brain injury through comprehensive care, research, and resource dissemination. The system aims to optimize individual outcomes by addressing complex medical, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that microRNA levels in the saliva of children with mild traumatic brain injury can accurately identify those with prolonged concussion symptoms. This discovery holds promise for improving concussion management and reducing parental anxiety.
A study by McMaster University neuroscientists found that even mild trauma from contact sports can disrupt the production of new neurons in the hippocampus, a region critical to memory. Temporary memory losses were observed in concussed athletes, while scores improved after a reprieve from their sport.
Studies show that head impacts can cause lasting damage even without concussions, affecting brain connections and memory. Better helmet rules and concussion education are needed to ensure athlete safety.
A study of firearms-related eye trauma in the US found significant racial disparities, with African Americans making up 35% of patients and suffering greater odds of being assaulted on the street. Whites were more likely to suffer self-inflicted injuries at home, while most common injury locations were the home and the street
Research explores military-related brain disorders and potential treatments, including improved visual responses and neural stem cell therapy. Disruptions in brain networks may underlie symptoms of Gulf War Illness, such as changes in vision, language function, pain perception, and mood regulation.
A new study has identified a promising treatment to reduce brain injury in newborns who have suffered from hypoxia-ischemia, a condition that can cause severe complications. The treatment involves combining standard cooling therapy with a selective Src kinase inhibitor to block a regulatory enzyme of apoptosis.
MossRehab's Drucker Brain Injury Unit and MRRI have been recognized for excellence in TBI treatment and research. The facility has continuously funded research on outcome prediction and treatment since 1997.
A new study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that traumatic spinal cord injuries can lead to persistent changes in metabolism, blood flow, and oxygenation up to 7 days post-injury. This suggests that current clinical practices may not be sufficient to prevent ischemia-related damage.
Cognivive's video games aim to enhance spatiotemporal cognitive abilities, building underlying capacity that different skills can draw on, improving real-world problem-solving abilities.
UNC researchers discovered that high-intensity shear shock waves amplify deep inside the brain, delivering a tenfold increase in tissue-ripping acceleration. This phenomenon may explain why some head knocks cause more harm than others.
A systematic review of 242,731 traumatic brain injuries in baseball and softball found poor helmet use and return-to-play guidelines. The study recommends mandatory helmet use, education, and economic incentives to reduce preventable injuries.
A Lithuanian professor has been awarded the Paper of the Year by The Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) for his groundbreaking research on severe traumatic brain injury. The study found that longer durations of cerebrovascular autoregulation impairment events significantly correlate with worse patient outcomes.
A new study finds that continuously recording aEEG data provides more accurate predictions of outcomes for infants undergoing cooling therapy. Infants with persistent abnormal patterns are at increased risk of adverse outcomes, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring.